Staples Playe rs presents
James AND THE GIANT Peach
Players prepares for immersive, technical production
Elsa D’Elia ’25 Staff WriterAlmost every member of the Staples community is likely familiar with the feeling of waiting in anticipation for the start of another Staples Players production, the excited chatter of an auditorium laying in wait.
On March
21, Staples Players will be premiering “James and the Giant Peach,” led by Beck Fipp ’27 as James.
“
kind and understanding that before we [got] through the first act, I felt completely comfortable and was having a blast.”
Of course, a leading character isn’t all that defines a show. An entire dedicated group of actors is needed, including Finley Chevrier ’24, who plays Earthworm.
“Throughout my years [in theater,] I’ve acted in 11 different shows. My first was “James and the Giant Peach,” and now my last show is also ‘James and the Giant Peach.’”
It’s really special, and unlike anything Players has put on in a while.”
-Finley Chevrier '24
James and the Giant Peach is the second production Fipp has been a part of since joining Players.
“I will never forget the feeling of walking down the hallway towards the black box [theater] for the first read-through on the first day of rehearsal,” Fipp said. “I was so nervous my teeth were chattering, but everyone was so
Chevrier said.
“I can guarantee it’s really special, and unlike anything Players has put on in a while.”
What goes on backstage is equally important as what’s seen on stage. Huge effort is put in during the months leading up to shows, with crew members working hard. As a part of creating magic backstage as well as on it, Kayla Damiano ’25 serves as the Assistant Stage Manag-
er on the production team.
“It’s pretty fun. I run backstage so all the set pieces and set changes are by me,” Damiano said. “During the show process, I am in charge of making sure we know what set pieces go where and when, along with helping to train the Production Assistants.”
Working alongside Damiano, stage manager Tyler Rockwell ’24 deals with production, too. Rockwell is in charge of the 11 crews that make up tech.
“During the show, I call all live lighting cues, and some sound effects with the lighting designer in the lighting booth,” Rockwell said. “I’m also on headset with the spot operators and backstage managers to maintain clear communication and act quickly in case of emergency.”
These duties have been tested during the production of “James and the Giant Peach.”
“‘James’ has been one of the most technical shows Players has ever done since I’ve been here,” Rockwell said. “It’s very theatrical with many moving pieces and components, such as trap doors and moving walls.”
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Photo by Elsa D’Elia ’25
Photos contributed by Kerry Long
MEET JUSTIN PAUL
BEHIND THE SCENES Justin Paul ’03, a renowned composer, visited Staples Players on March 11. Paul composed the music and lyrics for “James and The Giant Peach,” the musical. He has recieved Oscar, Tony and Grammy awards for his more famous works like “The Greatest Showman” and “La La Land.” He came to Staples to give the Players a better understanding of the music and lyrics behind the play.
Yusef Abdallah ’25
“Being able to collaborate with someone who worked so closely on the show we’re currently performing allowed all of us to have a much deeper understanding of the meaning behind the lyrics.”
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Graphics by Alex Gaines ’25
Photos contributed by Kerry Long
Photo by Elsa D’Elia ’25
